Greenhouse gas footprints of utility-scale photovoltaic facilities at the global scale

Abstract Technological characteristics and meteorological conditions are major determinants of the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprints photovoltaic facilities. By accounting for technological differences, we quantified GHG 9992 utility-scale facilities worldwide. We obtained a median footprint 58.7 g CO 2 -eq kWh ?1 , with 3-fold spread (28.2–94.6 2.5th 97.5th percentiles). Differences in panel type appeared to be most important determinant variability footprint, followed by irradiation facility’s age. also provided meta-model based on these three predictors users determine facility-specific footprint. The total cumulative electricity produced fleet worldwide is 457 TWh yr 99.6% which at below 100 . Compared earlier studies, computed global show relatively large spread. In order further improve accuracy footprints, more information as well production country required.